Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-10-11
wAsHiNagoN LETTER.

Oberly, of Che Civil Service Commits
sion has started a fret class sensation
is political circles by his recent pub
lished letter replying to an invitation
to address the Illinois Democratic
Association in this city, in which h'
declares that all such organization
are contrary TO the letter and spirit
Of the Civil Service law. 1t is well
known that large number OF thes'
clubs exist in Washington, and it ID
well-known, though not publicly de-
cIared, that their purposes are to ad
vance the interests of Democracy. II
follows without argument that these
clubs would seek party advancement
if not by practical public effort, at
least not less effective ways; and TO
divest them of their political charac-
ter would be to defeat the very pur-
pose of their organization. 1t is the
prime motive of their existence, and
a most reasonable and commendlble
one. Hence 1t follows that the latest
inveotive of Commissioner Oberly,
hurled against all such organizations
in general aud Democratic organize-
tons in particular, should awaken
cyclone of indignation at what is
considered an unwarranted and
straiued construction of the law, an
ofiiciou. and meddlesome interference
and as Insulting aud scandalous."
Several OF these associations have
taken official cognizance of the letter
in resolutions sharply condemning
the act of the commissioner, and,
with temerity quite heroic, in ut
tering their defiance ofthis anathema
Mr.. Oberly sustains himself by quot
ing the law, which he says, while not
responsible for its creation, he lie &C.
countable for its enforcement; and
while avowing his incorporating
Democracy, he intends to obey the
law and see that others do so, regard
less of abuse. The enforced obedi.
.ence to the law will fall heavily on
the Democratic party, since these
state associations will be relied upon
for valuable assistance in the mex
campaign. But it is altogether prob
able that they will continue thei
pleasant, and, from political stand
point, very useful existence. The.
will live, and despite laws and ex
communications will continue l.
give substantial aid and comfort L
their party.
The prospect of revision of tn
Tariff during the coming session O
Congress, has become a settled con
viction, and is recognized as one O
the certainties of the Fiflieth Con
Igress. 1t is admitted on all sides, no
only from standpoint Of public ne
cessity, but from political e1pediency
that the tariff should have an over
hauling in the direction Of a reduc
ton of taxation, and in the remova
from the shoulders of the people o
useless and unjust burdens. TIL
Democrats having a majority in tn
House wisely foresee the political ad
vantage that will attach to tho pas
sage of such measures, and wisel
determine that this winter shall se
great reductions in the internal taxeI
To accomplish these results, tho pres
ent want of harmony between tn
factions must give place to perfec
accord within the party. Will the
harmonic, is the question Of creates
anxiety, and the question in which /
involved the success or failure @
the great scheme. The Presi
dent, whose political smbitio
is slightly hinged thereon, with tru
party zeal has assumed the role
peace maker aud is working to brin
the hitherto opposing elements in hi
party into union and concert of actiO
Mr.. Randall is still the doubtfu
quantity, the greatest source of dan
ger; and unless such concessions al
made as will secure his support, til
result may be doubtful Democrat
protectionists, of whom Mr.. Randa
is leader, express the opinion that
revision Of the tariff must come an
that tho whole party will unite in tn
common cause of tariff reform.
The President started on his ives
ern trip on Friday, and it is evider
from its success 30 far and its free
dom from unfavorable incident. tina
! his proverbial good luck will dis
prove the popular superstition tina
Friday is day of evil happenings
The President has developed nue.
ability as a speech maker, his lates
efforts being creditable specimens o
dignified thought and chaste expires
sion. lie evidently anticipated thu
demand that would be made upor
him in this respect, and has given
evidence of this previous preparation
in the knowledge of local conditions
shown in his speeches. He prudent
ly withholds any allusion to politics,
aud modestly rcfrains from any self
laudation, combining his remarks to
subjects of interest to the people.
When several delegations called
upon the President recently to urge
their favorites for the Supreme bench
vacancy, the President responded as
follows: "The gentlemen named are
OF the highest character and fitness,
but the newspapers seem to have al
ready made this appointment for me,
and am rather embarrassed, since /
do not care to make an issue with the
press" These remarks are taken as
virtual admission that Secretary
Lamar 10 the coming man. 1t is